Pacific Island Paradises

– 170 – www.paradises.com — T a h i t i — A R A N U I C R U I S E S Aranui Cruises offers the experience of a lifetime. As part of an intimate group of like- minded travellers, the soft adventure cruise ventures to some of most the remote and enchanting islands in the world—the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands. Step aboard the Aranui 5 and journey to a land steeped in history, ancient customs and intrigue. Explore the Marquesas Islands and follow in the footsteps of Paul Gauguin, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jacques Brel and renowned explorer, Thor Heyerdahl. The Society and Tuamotu archipelagos are known for their coral-fringed lagoons and there is plenty of time for snorkelling, swimming or just relaxing in the warm tropical waters. Local villagers welcome Aranui's guests ashore and invite them to explore a piece of paradise. Shore excursions with multilingual guides include village visits, 4x4 sightseeing tours, guided hikes to archaeological stone tiki sites, beach picnics and barbecues, cultural dance shows, dining at local restaurants and meeting Marquesan artisans with the opportunity to purchase local crafts. Aranui 5, a passenger freighter, cruises to nine islands around French Polynesia and 17 ports of call delivering essential supplies to local villages on a 14-day voyage. The round trip cruise sails from Papeete to Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka in the Marquesas; Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus and Bora Bora. The new build, Aranui 5, offers 103 comfortable cabins and suites each featuring an en suite, air-conditioning, f lat screen television, safe and hairdryer. Many deluxe cabins and above have a private balcony and exterior staterooms feature a picture window or porthole. Shared dormitory style cabins are also available. Spread over eight decks, accessible by two elevators, the interior decor ref lects the Polynesian heritage of her owners and crew. A casual dining restaurant serves delicious dishes, using local fresh produce and tempting desserts. Relax in one of the four bars, lounge or library; enjoy informative talks on history, art and culture from a guest lecturer; try your hand at traditional weaving or take dance lessons. A journey aboard Aranui 5 is an adventure to a land where time stands still. Leave the fast paced city behind and discover unrivalled landscapes, natural beauty and the soothing trade winds of French Polynesia with Aranui Cruises. Aranui Cruises P.O Box 220, Papeete, TAHITI Tel: +689 4042 6242 Fax: +689 4043 4889 Email: info@aranuicruises.com.au www.aranuicruises.com.au

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